Unexpected fatherhood finds carefree cowboy Chuck Connor (Joel McCrea) when a visit with a buddy of his takes an unfortunate turn. When Chuck stops by to catch up with his friend and widower, Slim (John Ridgely), disaster strikes after Slim takes a fatal fall off Chuck's horse. Left as the only person who can look after Slim's four sons, Chuck brings the young boys on the road with him and tries to juggle parenting with his familiar life as a rootless ranch hand.